California Blackouts

Published: September 29, 2002

To the Editor:

I agree with Paul Krugman's suggestion (column, Sept. 27) that the California power crisis of 2001, apparently orchestrated by large power companies, requires investigation.

The truth is the only guide we have for achieving real understanding and meaningful actions. In the case of California's experience, we must learn the truth to be able to meaningfully regulate this powerful, out-of-control industry -- the industry that gave us Enron -- and to prevent artificial crises and market manipulation in the future.